Bag toss game

ABSTRACT

The present invention to a novel bag toss game comprises the elements of darts and bag toss with new elements not found in either game. A number of toss compartments form the target board and one throws bags into compartments of different size and distance while gathering points based on these parameters.

This application claims priority of Provisional application Ser. No. 61/187,904 filed on Jun. 17, 2009 and is included herein in its entirety by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bag toss game. In particular, the present invention relates to a board game involving tossing bags with a novel arrangement and design.

2. Description of Related Art

Bag tossing games have been popular for decades as a type of entertainment for 2 or more people. Variations have been designed for both indoor and outdoor play. The standard bag tossing game includes some sort of board with a hole extending therethrough and small hand held bags filled with beans or sand or the like which one tosses in an attempt to get the bag through the hole on the fly. The boards are usually elevated and in some cases tipped toward the tosser. Typical boards are made from wood, plastic or the like and can consist of a theme or the like.

Many variations of bag toss games have a single hole that one must toss the bag through. Other variations include multiple holes which can vary in purpose during the game so that scoring, or the like, such as in a football type board can be accomplished depending on the particular hole the bag goes through. Typically, holes are round and all of the same size with the difficulty coming from the distance of the hole on the board from the player. One must be careful to observe the bag so that it is clear which hole the bag passes through during the game.

Dart type games have been around for over 100 years and consist of a vertically placed board with a variation of different sized areas, each having a point score which varies based on the size of the area and the difficulty in hitting the target. Darts, while popular the world over, are not typically a game played by children because of the danger in utilizing the sharp pointed darts in the hands of a small child. As such, Darts remains a game designed for older children and adults.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bag toss game which has much of the fun and advantages of a dart game but does not have the danger of a dart game, simulates the dart game found in bars and can be played by people of all ages. In addition, the difficulty of the present game comes from the size, shape and distance of the holes on the board which are not all the same and not all are the typical round shape of a bag toss game.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a bag toss game target comprising:

-   -   a) an outer perimeter wall and a middle circumferential wall         with a plurality of outer partitions between the outer and         middle walls positioned such that the outer and middle walls and         partitions form a plurality of compartments; and     -   b) an inner circumferential wall with a plurality of inner         partitions between the middle wall and the inner wall positioned         such that the inner and middle walls and the partitions form a         plurality of compartments and the inner wall forms a         compartment.

In yet another embodiment, there is disclosed a bean bag game for use by a plurality of game players comprising:

-   -   a) a target comprising:         -   i. an outer perimeter wall and a middle circumferential wall             with a plurality of outer partitions between the outer and             middle walls positioned such that the outer and middle walls             and partitions form a plurality of compartments; and         -   ii. an inner circumferential wall with a plurality of inner             partitions between the middle wall and the inner wall             positioned such that the inner and middle walls and the             partitions form a plurality of compartments and the inner             wall forms a compartment; and     -   b) one or more game bags.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is a method of playing a bean bag game comprising players taking turns throwing bags into the compartments of the target above and assigning the point value labeled in each compartment a bag is thrown into to each player until one of the players reaches a preselected point total.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag toss target of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the game of the present invention with 3 game bags.

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective of the target of the present invention with the target angled by means of a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention, and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting.

As used herein a “bag toss game target” is a target specifically designed to throw one or more game bags at. It is designed to be used in a game where some means of score-keeping is used to pit game players against one another based on their bag throwing skills. It is a target, in one embodiment, that has a plurality of compartments for throwing the bags into. Unlike previous games where there is a hole and the bag falls through the hole, there are sides and a bottom with an open top, i.e. a compartment, to catch the bag and thus make it clear which compartment the bag has entered even if one takes their eyes off the game after the bag toss. The bottom can be flat, or in other embodiments the sides tapered or other shapes, etc.

The target (comprises 3 walls) one positioned inside the next and all essentially in the same plane; an outer wall, a middle wall and an inner wall. In one embodiment, the walls are circular and in another embodiment concentric (i.e. share a common center point). The shape of the walls can be any desired shape (such as square), however, each wall is completely unbroken and completely encircles the wall or walls inside it, i.e. each wall is unbroken in one embodiment. In other embodiments, each of the walls is within the next but does not necessarily have a common center point. The “outer perimeter wall” is the outermost wall of the target. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter wall is the outer wall of the target. In another embodiment, it is the outermost wall of the compartments but some portion of the target not having compartments is positioned outside the outer perimeter wall. The size of the outer wall in one embodiment is roughly a diameter of about 25 to 30 inches with a radius of about 6 to 8 inches. However, while this would make the target useful with most game bags, the outer wall and all walls could be made any size and positioned as desired (either larger or smaller) to make the compartments any size desired. The thickness of this wall and the rest of the walls herein is as thick as desired but in one embodiment, all wall thickness is about half an inch thick. In yet another embodiment, the interior surface of the outer wall (side closest to the middle wall) is sloped downward at a slight angle until it reaches the bottom of the compartment. This sloping aids the bag in moving as far into the compartment as possible. In one embodiment, at least one side of a wall herein is sloped sufficient to encourage a bag in the compartment to slide to the compartment bottom. The outer side of the outer wall can be sloped or not sloped (straight) as desired.

The “middle circumferential wall” is a wall inside the outer wall. In one embodiment, it is concentric with the outer wall while in another it is not. In all embodiments, it is a complete unbroken wall. In one embodiment the middle circumferential wall is circular. In this middle wall, the sides of the middle wall (closest to the outer wall and closest to the inner wall respectively) can both be sloped slightly until it reaches the bottom. In one embodiment, the middle wall is positioned about 3 to 5inches from the inner side of the outer wall.

In between the outer and middle walls are a plurality of outer partitions. These outer partitions are short walls positioned running on one end attached to the inner side of the outer wall to the other end attaching to the outer side of the middle wall. In one embodiment, the partitions are positioned on a radius with the center point of the target. This plurality of partitions creates compartments in between the middle and outer wall. In the embodiments where the walls are circular and the partitions on a radius, the shape of the compartments is a wedge shape having straight opposite sides and curved opposite sides. In one embodiment, there are 10 compartments in-between the outer and middle walls.

The “inner circumferential wall” is positioned inside the middle wall in a circumferential manner. The inner wall can be concentric, sharing a common center point or not in other embodiments. The inner wall is positioned on the target to form a single compartment. Where the inner wall is circular, it forms a circular compartment.

The inner circle in one embodiment is about 3 to 5 inches in diameter, is about 4 to 5 inches in radius and has no partitions within it. Like other sides to the walls, they can be sloped or not as desired, though sloping as described above aids in capturing the thrown bags.

In between the inner and middle walls are a plurality of inner partitions. These inner partitions are short walls positioned running on one end attaching to the inner side of the middle wall to the other end attaching to the outer side of the inner wall. In one embodiment, the partitions are positioned on a radius with the center point of the target. In another embodiment, they are on the same radii as the outer partitions (as shown in the figures). This plurality of partitions creates compartments in between the middle and outer wall. In the embodiments where the walls are circular and the partitions on a radius, the shape of the compartments is a wedge shape having straight opposite sides and curved opposite sides. In one embodiment, there are 10 compartments in between the inner and middle walls. In another embodiment, each of the compartments between the inner and middle walls, are aligned with the compartments in between the outer and middle walls thus there would be equal number of compartments in each ring. However, the side of the compartments in the middle ring of compartments is smaller than the outer ring of compartments, making it more difficult to throw a bag in the inner ring of compartments thus more difficult and like in a game of darts with more points awarded during the playing of a game.

The outer surface of the outer wall of the target itself can extend past the bottom of the compartments to form a base. The base can be angled, so in one embodiment it is angled from about 20 to 60 degrees but in other embodiments, the target sits on the ground flat. In one embodiment, the target is positioned at a 45 degree angle. The base could also be a separate attachment and be shaped as desired to create an angle, provide storage, or any other desired additional function. The external surface of the outer wall can be sloped outward to provide stability to the target when sitting on a surface. In yet another embodiment, the outer surface is about 0.1 inches to half an inch longer than the inner side of the outer wall.

Bags utilized in the present invention are like any bag toss game bags. There can be one set of bags that are shared or separate bags for each player. When played like a game of darts, 3 bags are utilized for each turn, either shared by the players or where there are 3 bags for each player. The bags are typically 1.5 to 3 inches or so in diameter (though sized to fit in the smallest of the compartments would work best) and filled with sand, beans or other malleable substances. Difficulty in the game can be achieved in one embodiment by utilizing lighter or heavier bags as desired. Different shaped bags can also be utilized to accommodate particular flight patterns or aid in the ease or difficulty in getting a bag into a compartment. In one embodiment, the bags are spherical and in other embodiments they are flat.

One embodiment of the game is to play the game like a game of darts. In this embodiment, each of the compartments is assigned a point value and optionally one or more of the compartments is labeled with the point value attributed to getting a bag in that compartment upon tossing it. The inner 10 compartments could be double points and the bull's eye 25 or so. The compartment can be numbered and place where it can be seen such, as on the bottom or sides. Thus, in one embodiment, each compartment is numbered, and each number will be placed on the center of the bottom of the exterior compartment with the bottom of the number facing the center of the board. As well, the highest number will have a size of between 0.5″ and 1″ and will be placed on the target where the top of the number is roughly 0.25″ down from the top of the inner side of the outer circle, and centered between the two outer partitions. This compartment will dictate where the other numbers are placed. The compartment immediately adjacent clockwise to the first will have its number roughly 0.25″ down on the interior wall of the outer circle, and will be closer to the exterior partition adjacent to the first number than to the opposing partition. The number for the compartment, adjacent clockwise, will be roughly 0.25″ down on the exterior partition, closer to the interior wall of the outer wall. The number for the next compartment, adjacent clockwise, will be 0.25″ down and centered on the exterior partition adjacent. The number for the next compartment will be similar and the like around the target compartments. There can be many variations to the specific pattern of the numbers, with a requirement of this embodiment being having the largest number be the farthest away from the player thus the further away the higher the assigned points to the toss.

In the embodiment, of where the present invention is played like a game of darts, an example of such play would be where a person would stand between 10′ to 20′ away from the target and attempt to throw bags into the compartments of the target. Since the device is conceptually similar to the traditional game of darts, many similar games can be played using it. The player attempts to complete a board of numbers by throwing bags into the correct compartment. The 5 highest numbers and the “bull” or central compartment are the targets. The interior compartments match the numbers of the exterior compartments, but are worth double. Each number must be hit 3 times. Bulls are worth double by nature (so one would only have to hit the central compartment twice during a game). The player starts with 300 points and attempts to reduce that score to zero in the quickest amount of time. Each compartment is worth the number of points it is numbered for. Middle compartments are worth double the points. The center compartment is worth 25 points. The players alternate turns and toss until someone wins the game. This invention provides a familiar pattern in the shape and style of a dart board rather than just several holes in a board. In one embodiment, there are the same number of compartments on the target as in a regulation dart board (20 wedges and a bull).

Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bag toss target of the present invention. Target 1 consists of outer wall 2 having outer wall outer side 3 and outer wall inner side 4 and thickness 6. In this embodiment, the outer wall 2 is circular and is the outermost perimeter of target 1, outer wall inner side 4 is tapered toward the center point 10 and ending at bottom 9, such that it has a thickness at the bottom that is thicker than shown at thickness 6. The outer wall outer side 3 is perpendicular to the ground when the target 1 is sitting on a flat surface and not tapered like the opposite outer wall inner side 4.

Middle wall 12 consists of middle wall outer side 13 and middle wall inner side 14 and has thickness 16. The middle wall 12 is circular and concentric (sharing the same center point 10) with the outer wall 2. The middle wall inner side 14 is tapered and thus thicker at the bottom than shown at thickness 16. The middle wall outer side 13 is perpendicular to a flat surface it is sitting on and is parallel to outer wall outside surface 2. In other embodiments, all walls are tapered except side 3.

Inner wall 22 consists of inner wall outer side 23 and inner wall inner side 24 and has thickness 26. The inner wall 22 is concentric with the other two walls and the inner most of the 3 walls. Both the inner wall outer side and inner wall inner side are parallel to one another and not tapered like other walls, though they could be tapered if desired toward the center point 10.

A number of radial walls 33 a and 33 b are positioned between walls. Specifically, a plurality (10 radial walls depicted) of outer radial walls 33 a are positioned on a radius with the center point 10 between the outer wall inner side 4 and the middle wall outer side 13. Likewise, a plurality of inner radial walls 33 b (10 radial walls depicted) are positioned on a radius with the center point 10 between the middle wall inner side 14 and the inner wall outer side 23. In one embodiment, there are twenty radial walls. They are depicted on the same radius in the embodiment but could be different if desired.

The radial walls 33 a and 33 b thus divide the spaces between the outer wall 2 and middle wall 12, and between the middle wall 12 and inner wall 22 into a number of compartments, each having 4 sides and a bottom. The shape, in this case, is essentially a wedge shape. Other shapes would be formed with other wall shapes than circular but this particular construction resembles a dart board in construction. The inner wall 22 forms its own singular circular compartment and is equivalent to a dart board bulls-eye.

While all or some of the compartments can be numbered with their point value for simplicity sake only, the outer compartments are numbered as numbers 36 each shown as circled numbers. Therefore, for example, the compartment numbered circled 3 is worth 3, points the compartment numbered circled 4 is worth 4 points, the corresponding inner ring of compartments are worth double these values and the bull's eye is worth either 25 or 50 points.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the target 1 and a set of throwing bags 40 for a complete game. In this view, the tapered nature of the walls can be seen. Also in this embodiment, all walls other than the outer wall outer side are tapered toward the center of each compartment. One can clearly see that the compartments are different sizes thus leading to varying degrees of difficulty based on the size of the compartment and the distance from the thrower in use of the target and bags for the game. The numbering for compartments 36 in this embodiment are depicted as on the bottom 9 of the outer ring of compartments.

In FIG. 3, a side view of the target 1 of the present invention is shown. In this view optional stand 45 is shown. Stand 45 holds the target 1 at an angle to aid the thrower during a game with seeing and accessing each of the compartments of the target. Depicted is an angle of about 45 degrees but any desired angle could be utilized.

The drawings and illustrative examples are considered to be a teaching of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention since modifications and changes would be readily understood to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure. Nothing either is intended to prevent applicant from limiting the invention to any particular embodiment as desired. 

1. A bag toss game target comprising: a) an outer perimeter wall and a middle circumferential wall with a plurality of outer partitions between the outer and middle walls positioned such that the outer and middle walls and partitions form a plurality of compartments; and b) an inner circumferential wall with a plurality of inner partitions between the middle wall and the inner wall positioned such that the inner and middle walls and the partitions form a plurality of compartments and the inner wall forms a compartment.
 2. A bag toss game target according to claim 1 wherein the walls are circular.
 3. A bag toss game according to claim 1 wherein the target is tilted at an angle of about 20 to about 60 degrees.
 4. A bag toss game target according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the compartments are wedge shaped.
 5. A bag toss game target according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the inner and outer partitions are positioned on a radius of the target.
 6. A bag toss game target according to claim 1 wherein one or more of the compartments have identifying labels.
 7. A bag toss game target according to claim 6 wherein the compartments are label in a manner similar to a dart board labeling.
 8. A bag toss game target according to claim 1 wherein the inner wall forms a compartment at the center of the target.
 9. A bag toss game according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the sides of one of the walls or partitions is shaped such that the wall or partition is wider at a bottom of the wall or partition than it is at a respective top.
 10. A bean bag toss game according to claim 9 wherein at least one of the surfaces of the target are sloped or curved to facilitate stacking or to facilitate bags falling into the compartments.
 11. A bag toss game according to claim 1, wherein the inner and outer partitions are positioned on radius of the target.
 12. A bag toss game according to claim 11 wherein there are equal number inner and outer partitions and each outer partition is on the same radius of one of the inner partitions.
 13. A bag toss game for use by a plurality of game players comprising: a) a target comprising: i. an outer perimeter wall and a middle circumferential wall with a plurality of outer partitions between the outer and middle walls positioned such that the outer and middle walls and partitions form a plurality of compartments; and ii. an inner circumferential wall with a plurality of inner partitions between the middle wall and the inner wall positioned such that the inner and middle walls and the partitions form a plurality of compartments and the inner wall forms a compartment; and b) one or more game bags.
 14. A bag toss game according to claim 13 wherein there are 3 game bags for each player.
 15. A bag toss game according to claim 13 which further comprises a base for the target.
 16. A bag toss game according to claim 13 wherein the walls are circular and concentric.
 17. A bean bag game according to claim 13 wherein at least a portion of the compartments are wedge shaped.
 18. A bean bag game according to claim 13 wherein at least a portion of the compartments are labeled.
 19. A bean bag game according to claim 18 wherein the compartments are each labeled with a particular number of points.
 20. A method of playing a bean bag game with a bean bag game according to claim 19 comprising players taking turns throwing bags into the compartments and assigning the point labeled in each compartment a bag is thrown into to each player until one of the players reaches a preselected point total. 